Sammy Davis Jr. was a prodigy in vaudeville, trailblazer in desegregating Las Vegas, and global superstar who shone in Hollywood and on Broadway. Performer and educator Aaron Reeder examines how Davis’s artistry intersected with questions of race, religion, and identity in 20th-century America and the contradictions of fame that defined his career.
Reeder explores Davis’ life and legacy through rare recordings, archival images, and performance excerpts. Through commentary and music, Reeder reveals the man behind the spotlight—a boundary-breaking artist whose call to authenticity, “I’ve Gotta Be Me,” continues to resonate today.
Reeder is the creator of the play Beyond the Lights: Discovering Sammy Davis Jr.
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